“This opening was especially meaningful for the family as Cookeville natives.” – Chamber
The new McDonald’s at 1201 N Washington Avenue in Cookeville is officially open for business.
Owned and operated by the Funderburk Family McDonald’s (FFM), the new location kicked things off with a celebration that “brought the house down,” according to the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, which was on hand for the festivities.
“Locally owned and operated, the Funderburk Family McDonald’s employs nearly 400 people across Putnam County and served more than 2 million customers here in 2025 alone. This opening was especially meaningful for the family as Cookeville natives, located just down the road from their alma mater,” according to the Chamber.
The celebration featured Cookeville High School’s Marching Band, dancers, cheerleaders and Jere Whitson’s student choir. Each group received a $500 donation during the grand opening.
“The store is celebrating all week long, with giveaways every hour tomorrow and Saturday and is now open 24 hours a day to serve the community,” according to the Chamber.
According to the Chamber, the restaurant represents continued investment in local jobs, youth programs and the Cookeville economy.
“Cookeville is home to our organization; It’s home to our family. Jake and I went to high school 500 yards from here — it’s just super special,” Jared Funderburk said of the restaurant’s location during opening remarks.
The Washington Avenue restaurant marks the family’s third store in Cookeville and fifth in Putnam County.
“Most importantly, in the last 12 months at our Putnam County locations, over 80,000 people have rounded up for the Ronald McDonald House,” Jake said. “It’s helped families in Nashville who are going through a tough time, and with this store opening, that number is only going to continue to rise.”
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Photos courtesy of the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce.
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